past horizons28 Fieldwork carried out during 2008 has focused on a detailed walkover survey of the wider landscape surrounding the site and a continuation of the excavations that were initiated in 2004. In particular, we have resumed our investigations within the cave, removing the last of the archaeological deposits from Bone Passage, while at the surface above the cave we have continued the evaluation of the extensive burnt mound and associated structural elements and the deep series of archaeological deposits filling the natural hollow immediately outside the cave and stairwell entrance. Excavation of the complex deposits within the natural hollow outside the cave is confirming our initial theories that this area was a major focus of the site, where the primary butchery and preparation of animal carcasses took place. In this area we have uncovered a sequence of five large, slab- built hearths, superimposed on each other, complete with their associated residues including ash, burnt wood, fire- cracked stone and processed animal bone. Analysis of the sediments surrounding the hearths by Jo McKenzie and Ian Simpson of the University of Stirling is also contributing to our interpretation of function in this area. Their results have confirmed a complex sequence of events including rake- outs from the fires interspersed with short periods of abandonment. However, of more significance, is their identification of high phosphate levels within the sediments surrounding the hearths, which indicates that the processing of the animal carcasses took place around these features. Small finds recovered from around the hearths include bone pins and awls, stone tools, spindle whorls manufactured from steatite and a well- preserved fragment from a bracelet manufactured from cannel- coal or jet. Other structural elements in this area of the site include a series of stone- built revetment walls. Some of these features may have been constructed to control the flow of water in this natural hollow during times of flooding, to Excavations at High Pasture Cave, Isle of Skye Fieldwork update by steven birch The 2008 fieldwork season at High Pasture Cave, Skye, reported in May's issue of Past Horizons, produced some intriguing results, including animal processing areas, possible flood control walls , a curved walkway and numerous finds. The season has now drawn to a close and although we await results from our core of specialists working on the post- excavation analysis, this article provides an update on the latest finds and discoveries from the site. Back of wall feature F15.14 with stairwell beyond Part of exposed wall face – F15.14 Wall F15.14 showing angle due to subsidence

29past horizons protect the main areas of activity noted above and to stop flash- flooding episodes in Bone Passage. One of these walls however stands out from the others and comprises a feature of quite monumental proportions for this site. Constructed from large granite and limestone blocks, still standing up to five courses high and having a base some two metres wide, the wall arcs around the cave and stairwell entrance defining the area where the hearths have been uncovered. Unfortunately, the area in front of this feature has suffered serious subsidence, resulting in the wall face leaning at an alarming angle. It is only the deep sequence of archaeological deposits surrounding the hearths in this area that have stopped the wall collapsing. Decorated glass bead recovered from burnt mound deposits Neolithic or Bronze Age pottery sherd from Bone Passage Cannel- coal or Jet bracelet fragment from Trench 15 Steatite spindle whorls recovered from the hearth settings in Trench 15 Bone awl recovered from hearth settings in Trench 15 Top left: Excavations in Bone Passage Top right: Martin Wildgoose standing in the paved and cobbled walkway F15.37 Top middle: Trench 19 after removal of the burnt mound deposits revealing earlier structures including walls, post- holes and post- pads continued ? ?